According to Sam Amick of USA Today, Wilson Chandler wants out of Denver after spending the past 5.5 seasons with the Nuggets.
“According to two people with knowledge of Chandler’s situation, the player who came to Denver as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal six years ago wants to be traded,” Amick said. “The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. Chandler’s frustration, according to the people, is born out of the inconsistency with his role.”
Chandler has not formally requested a trade, per Amick, but the Nuggets are reportedly aware of the situation. Chandler is said to be frustrated in his current role which has been primarily off the bench for the Nuggets this season. The 29-year-old did start 13 games for Denver earlier this year but was recently moved to the bench in favor of Kenneth Faried.
“While it’s not believed that Chandler has requested a trade, the Nuggets – who currently owe him a combined $36 million for this season and next two (player option in 2018-19) – are known to be aware of his concerns,” Amick writes. “The only question now is which team might step up to help get a deal done.”
Chandler is enjoying a career-year after missing the entirety of last season with a torn labrum in his hip. He’s currently averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and two assists in just over 30 minutes per game. With Danilo Gallinari set for an MRI on his strained groin Thursday after injuring it in the third quarter against the Grizzlies Wednesday and Will Barton sidelined with an ankle injury, the Nuggets don’t have too much depth on the wing. Chandler would seemingly be in line to start at small forward Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
There should be a healthy market for Chandler. His ability to play three to four positions combined with his offensive arsenal is a potent cocktail that any playoff team should be after. He would also add another long and strong defensive body.
Chandler’s contract is team-friendly as well. He’s owed just over $12 million next season with a $12.8 million player option for 2018-19.
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I doubt the Nuggets will trade Chandler this season unless they get another star player they want since Gallo probably will be a free agent this summer. Essentially, this has become Gallo vs Chandler and who Denver will keep long term? Given that Jokic is the centerpiece of the team, Denver needs to compliment him with athletic and versatile defenders. I know both Gallo and Chandler have been injury prone, but I think Chandler gives the Nuggets a better chance to improve defensively. If Gallo eventually leaves as a free agent, Juancho can become the New Gallo. Tough decision, but Chandler is the safer bet IMO.